Historians often point out that language is never merely a means of communication. Throughout history, language has been used to shape the way people think, influence opinion, and even maintain power. Consequently, rulers have sought not only to control territory, but also to control the narrative heard by the people. 

A similar pattern is evident in Isaiah 36. When the Assyrian envoy arrived in Jerusalem, he deliberately spoke in Hebrew—a language the people understood—rather than Aramaic, which was the language typically used in diplomacy. His aim was clear: not merely to convey a message, but to instil fear. For often a nation need not be defeated on the battlefield first; it is enough to make it lose its confidence within its own heart.

Through his speech, the Assyrian envoy sought to convince the people that Assyrian power was an inescapable reality, whilst faith in God was deemed futile. Thus, what was at stake was not merely the city of Jerusalem, but also the people’s conviction as to who truly held control over their lives. Power does indeed often operate not only through coercion, but also through the shaping of ways of thinking. Narratives that are constantly repeated can make fear feel more real than hope.

Doesn’t the same thing often happen in our own lives? Every day we are surrounded by various narratives that teach us that a person’s worth is determined by their achievements, that security can only be obtained through power or material possessions, or that honesty and faith are naive concepts in a harsh world. Without realising it, these voices can shape the way we view ourselves, one another, and the future. Therefore, the message of Isaiah 36 is not primarily about how to dispel fear, but about choosing whom we will trust. God’s people are not asked to deny the reality that Assyria is a great threat. They are simply reminded that this threat is not the ultimate truth. Above all human power, there remains God, who holds the history and lives of His people in His hands.

Dear Friends of the Bible, choosing to believe is not a matter of turning a blind eye to reality, but the courage not to let fear dictate how we view reality. Amidst the many voices seeking to shape our thinking, may we continue to learn to hear the voice of God that gives life to hope. For often the victory of faith begins not when all problems are resolved, but when we continue to choose to believe that God is at work, even when circumstances have not yet changed.